PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Holding Perkebunan PTPN III (Persero), through its sub-holding PTPN IV PalmCo, is reinforcing its environmental conservation efforts by supporting the rehabilitation of critically endangered orangutans in Kalimantan. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF).
PalmCo is fully supporting the rehabilitation of three orangutans—Oka, Christina, and Zahri—who were previously rescued from distressing conditions, including illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and unlawful captivity. All three have made significant progress and are currently in the final stages of rehabilitation before being reintroduced into the wild.
“This is a concrete expression of our commitment to sustainability and the protection of Indonesia’s native species,” said PalmCo President Director Jatmiko Santosa in his statement in Jakarta.
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Jatmiko emphasized that orangutan conservation is not merely a philanthropic gesture, but a vital part of the company’s ecological responsibility. The rehabilitation process is long and complex, involving quarantine, medical evaluations, and intensive training through a “Forest School” program, where the orangutans relearn survival skills such as climbing, foraging for natural food, and recognizing threats. The process can take up to eight years.
- Oka, rescued in 2018 in poor health and suffering from hepatitis B, is now actively exploring Bangamat Island.
- Christina, previously kept as a human infant, is now independent and agile in the treetops of Salat Island.
- Zahri, a male orangutan confiscated from illegal possession, has shown remarkable survival instincts and has become a resilient, solitary explorer.
According to Hendra Wijaya from BOSF’s rehabilitation team, all three have shown very positive development. “Their wild instincts are returning. This is a clear sign they’re ready to thrive in the wild,” he stated.
Beyond this effort, PalmCo is also advancing its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. In October 2024, the company achieved the world’s second-highest ESG score in the palm oil sector, based on S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), ranking among the top eight out of 386 global food product companies.
“For us, ESG is the foundation for building a truly sustainable industry,” Jatmiko added.
Looking ahead, PalmCo plans to expand its conservation and habitat restoration partnership with BOSF, invest in renewable energy initiatives such as biogas, and strengthen community involvement in ecosystem preservation.
“We aim to prove that production and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. From responsibly managed plantations, we can help restore the future of our environment,” Jatmiko concluded. (P3)
